“ What, is the jay more precious than the lark because his feathers are more beautiful? Or is the adder better than the eel because his painted skin contents the eye? ”
William Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew (1623). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | The Taming of the Shrew |
| Topic | beauty value |
| Date | 1623 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Written between 1590 and 1592 |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1107/pg1107-images.html |
Context
“Even in these honest mean habiliments; Our purses shall be proud, our garments poor; For 'tis the mind that makes the body rich; And as the sun breaks through the darkest clouds, So honour peereth in the meanest habit. What, is the jay more precious than the lark Because his feathers are more beautiful? Or is the adder better than the eel Because his painted skin contents the eye? O no, good Kate; neither art thou the worse For this poor furniture and mean array. If thou account'st it shame, lay it on me; And therefore frolic; we will hence forthwith To feast and sport us at thy father's house.”
source
Meaning and analysis
